Upper Deck Discards Vick

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) _ Upper Deck has removed all Michael Vickautographed memorabilia from its online store and will remove theindicted quarterback's trading card from N-F-L sets that arescheduled to be released in October. The announcement by the San Diego County company came a dayafter Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Vick and Reeboktook the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his Number Sevenjersey. Another trading card company, Donruss, announced it waspulling Vick's likeness from any new packs. Upper Deck's director of marketing, Kerri Stockholm, said in astatement -- quote -- ``Of course we appreciate the fact that Mr.Vick is innocent until proven guilty, but the allegations alonehave resulted in an outpouring of very strong emotion within ourorganization and among the collecting community. We believecollectors will agree and support this decision as being the bestcourse of action for our football business.'' Items pulled from the online store include autographedfootballs, helmets, jerseys and the company's line of ``BreakingThrough'' pieces. His card will be pulled beginning with theUltimate Collection Football set. The latest hit to Vick came two days after the Atlanta Falconsquarterback pleaded not guilty to federal dogfighting charges inRichmond, Virginia. In the indictment, he was accused of sponsoringa gruesome operation that often shot, hanged, drowned orelectrocuted losing dogs.----------------------

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) _ Nike suspended its lucrative contractwith Michael Vick Saturday, while Reebok took the unprecedented stepof stopping sales of his Number Seven jersey. Facing protests from animal-rights groups, Nike announced thatit was suspending Vick's endorsement deal without pay, as well ashalting sales of Vick-related shoes and other products at itsretail stores. Donruss, one of four major trading card companies, has decidedto pull Vick's card from any future 2007 releases, according toBeckett Media, which covers the collectibles industry. Reebok, the official uniform supplier of the N-F-L, said itwould stop selling Vick's replica jersey at retail stores andthrough its Web site. The moves came one day after the Atlanta Falcons quarterbackpleaded not guilty to federal dogfighting charges in Richmond,Virginia. Beaverton, Oregon-based Nike said in a statement -- quote --``Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbingallegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any crueltyto animals inhumane and abhorrent.'' Since Vick has not been convicted of any crime, Nike left openthe door to resume its business relationship with the star playerif he's acquitted. The company said -- quote -- ``We do believe that Michael Vickshould be afforded the same due process as any citizen in theUnited States. Therefore, we have not terminated ourrelationship.'' Vick is barred from the Falcons' training camp while the leagueinvestigates his actions for possible violations of its newpersonal conduct policy. While Reebok does not have a business relationship with Vick,the Massachusetts-based company serves as the official supplier ofapparel and equipment to all 32 N-F-L teams. Through that deal, itholds the coveted rights to sell jerseys at the retail level.

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